Peter Corris' 'Cliff Hardy' series is also great. These novels feature the hard - boiled detective Cliff Hardy as he navigates the seedy underbelly of Sydney. The books are known for their realistic portrayal of Australian urban life and the detective's tenacious investigations.
For beginners, 'The Dry' by Jane Harper is a great choice. It has a straightforward yet engaging plot. Set in a small Australian town during a drought, it follows a detective as he investigates a series of murders. The writing is accessible and the setting is vividly described.
I really like 'Truth' by Peter Temple as well. His works often deal with complex moral and social issues within the framework of detective stories. The way he portrays the Australian setting adds a unique flavor to the detective fiction genre. His characters are multi - dimensional, and the mysteries are engaging, making his books some of the best in Australian detective fiction.
One popular Australian detective novel is 'The Dry' by Jane Harper. It's set in a drought - stricken town and follows the investigation of a murder. Another is 'Truth' by Peter Temple. His novels often feature complex characters and gritty settings. And then there's 'Scrublands' by Chris Hammer, which is known for its atmospheric portrayal of rural Australia.
Typically, they often have strong female protagonists. For example, Phryne Fisher in Kerry Greenwood's novels is a very self - assured and capable detective. They also make great use of the Australian landscape, whether it's the outback or small coastal towns, as an important part of the story's backdrop and often influence the mystery.
One characteristic is the strong presence of Aboriginal culture. This can include the use of Aboriginal languages, traditional stories, and cultural symbols. For example, the concept of the Dreamtime might be incorporated into the plot.
Among the 10 best Australian novels, 'True History of the Kelly Gang' by Peter Carey stands out. It offers a different perspective on the famous Australian outlaw Ned Kelly. 'The Slap' by Christos Tsiolkas is also notable as it delves into contemporary Australian society and family values. Also, 'The Book Thief' (while Markus Zusak is of Austrian - German origin, the story is set in Australia during the war) is a powerful novel that shows the impact of war on people and their love for books.
Jane Harper is a well - known author. Her books like 'The Dry' and 'The Lost Man' are very popular. She has a great talent for creating suspense in the Australian outback setting. Another is Peter Temple. His detective novels are highly regarded for their in - depth characters and complex plots. Chris Hammer is also known for his works in this genre.
One characteristic is the use of the Australian landscape as a backdrop. The vast outback, coastal areas, or small towns often play a crucial role in the stories, influencing the mood and the nature of the crimes.